Publicis Media China names new president

Publicis Groupe Asia Pacific has appointed Mickey Zhang (pictured) as president of Publicis Media in China, effective 3 March. Based in Shanghai, she reports to Asia Pacific CEO Jane Lin-Baden.

Zhang’s appointment is a strategic addition to Publicis Groupe China’s senior leadership team and comes at a time when the group is experiencing significant growth momentum, according to the release. This new structure unifies the group’s media agencies of Zenith, Starcom, Spark Foundry and the middle platform in China under Zhang’s leadership.  

In this newly created role, Zhang plays a pivotal role in elevating Publicis Groupe China’s capabilities to new heights and fostering client relationships to create continued impact in a critical market. She is also tasked with expanding the group’s connected media proposition in China with an identity at the core that unifies strategy, planning, commerce, omni-performance, influence, and CRM in service of clients’ growth ambition.

Zhang is also responsible for spearheading initiatives aimed at enhancing value from the group’s partnerships and expanding its market presence in China. With a strong mandate to innovate and lead, Zhang will focus on leveraging the group’s proprietary cutting-edge AI solutions and data-driven insights to maximize value in its client-centric organisation. 

Zhang has more than 20 years of experience in the industry across branding, media, strategic planning as well as sales and marketing. Before joining Publicis Groupe China, Zhang was at Shanghai Jahwa for over three years where she held the positions of chief marketing officer, general manager of the beauty and baby products division and chief digital officer at different times during the period. She was also responsible for brand and marketing communications, product planning, channel sales management including e-commerce and user experience. 

Prior to Shanghai Jahwa, Zhang spent nine years with GroupM China where she served in various leadership roles including chief product and service officer. She successfully set up services across eCommerce, social, audience insights, activations and influencer marketing as well as formed strong alliances in marketing services and data technology, according to the release. Previously, Zhang held various senior positions at Baidu, Google and eBay with responsibilities for growing digital marketing solutions.

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“Our latest earnings report highlights 6.4% growth for China in 2024, outperforming the industry. It adds to our impressive five-year track record of leading new business. Zhang’s appointment is a strategic move to strengthen China’s senior leadership and embark on our next chapter of transformation," Lin-Baden said. 

“Her diverse experience across client, agency and technology platforms sets her up to lead our Connected Media proposition, with access to our proprietary, cutting-edge products and solutions. Her expertise will undoubtedly enhance our commitment to our clients and strengthen our partnership with them,” she added. 

“I'm delighted to be part of the Publicis family! As a global leader in marketing communications, Publicis Groupe has been steadfast in its investment in scaling up and enhancing its capabilities and expertise in data, technology, media and creativity to deliver outstanding value to its clients,” Zhang said.

“It's truly a privilege to have the chance to work with inspiring and passionate colleagues, as we continue to innovate and remain at the forefront in the field of media, creativity and communications,” she added.

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